Driving to Leadville

[espee]

From someone who lives in the area, any of these routes are good but I still think highway 50/24 is the best. It is well maintained and, like mentioned above, unless there is the occasional blizzard, you shouldn't have any problems. There are no passes to worry about. As of now, there is very little snow until you get close to Leadville. They have a lot!

[jazzlover]

I agree that the US 50/US 24 routing is the best. The biggest risk, aside from a major storm that affects the whole area, is for ice in the Arkansas River canyon--much of it is in the shade for the better part of the day.

That said, I repeat what I post about winter driving: If you don't know how to drive in adverse winter conditions, then stay the hell out of them if the weather is bad. You are not only a risk to yourself, but to other drivers. That means checking road conditions (CDOT Traveler Information) and checking the local weather forecasts. If the often fickle Colorado weather deteriorates on you--then STOP in a safe place off of the road (in a town, rest area, etc.) and wait it out. Plowing ahead in conditions beyond your safe driving ability may work out for you, but it just as easily might not.